After stumbling through 16-letter ingredients posted on the backs of my shampoo and conditioner bottles, I decided I need a chemical-free change. For the past few weeks I’ve experimented with alternatives to commercial shampoo and conditioner. Surprisingly, I discovered using olive oil on hair as a conditioner works well — if executed carefully.
Applying Olive Oil to Your Hair
Have you ever used hot oil hair treatments? Using olive oil for hair is similar. The key to making it soften your hair and add shine is in the application and quantity of olive oil used. Start by rinsing your hair under warm water. If your hair hasn’t been washed recently, follow the rinse with a baking soda and water rinse to neutralize odors and remove loose dirt from your hair. I like to use one tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in one cup of warm water.
Next, pour a small amount of olive oil in the palm of your hand. I have thick hair that falls just above the center of my back, and I use approximately one teaspoon of olive oil. The first time I tried using olive oil on hair as a conditioner, I used approximately two tablespoons. That was a huge mistake; three washes later my hair still appeared greasy.
Moisturizing Dry Hair
Massage the oil into your hair, starting at the ends of your hair. Since your scalp naturally secretes sebum, your roots should be the moist moisturized area of hair on your head. Although I do apply some olive oil to my roots, I use the oil sparingly to avoid a greasy look.
Let the oil soak into your hair. Whether you leave the oil on for a few minutes, or wrap your hair in a towel and let it soak for a few hours, your hair will get softer. Next, rinse the oil from your hair. I like to use an apple cider vinegar and water mixture. Again, one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to one cup of warm water will do the trick. Work the rinse through your hair, then rinse your hair under warm water. Massage your scalp and hair to remove some of the olive oil. After your hair dries, the vinegar odor will go away.
Now, dry your hair. I prefer to let mine air dry to avoid heat damage from a blow dryer. If your hair appears wet or greasy, you used too much olive oil. Try adjusting the amount next time. Simply head to the shower and use a commercial shampoo to strip the oil from your hair. The detergents in shampoo work as a degreaser. If done correctly, your hair should appear shiny and healthy after using olive oil. The body in my hair was also amplified, making my hair look much wavier than normal.
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